What characterizes the speech style known as "parentese"?

The speech style known as "parentese" is characterized by exaggerated intonation and simplified vocabulary. This approach, often used by caregivers when speaking to infants or young children, involves a higher pitch, slower tempo, and clearer articulation, which help capture the child's attention and make the sounds of speech more engaging and understandable.

The simplification of vocabulary in parentese also plays a crucial role; it often includes shorter sentences and repetitive phrases, which help infants and toddlers process language more readily and begin to learn new words. These characteristics support early language acquisition by enhancing interaction between the child and the adult, facilitating better comprehension as the child develops their linguistic skills.

Other styles, such as using complex sentence structures or technical jargon, are not components of parentese and would not be effective in aiding language development in young children. Rapid speech delivery could hinder comprehension as well, making it less suitable for fostering effective communication with infants.